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Types of Pumps in Irrigation

Pumps used in irrigation systems differ in design and type. For the irrigation system to be efficient and effective, pumps should be selected properly. Pumps used for irrigation should always be in good working condition to ensure that the water being pumped is free from contamination. Irrigation pumps should meet the requirements of the irrigation equipment, the piping system and most importantly, the source of water.

  1. Centrifugal Pumps

    • One type of irrigation pump is the centrifugal pump. These are used to pump water from shallow wells, lakes and other water reservoirs. Centrifugal pumps also serve as booster pumps in pipelines. Before the pumps are declared operational, they must be primed or totally filled with water. This procedure should also be done on the suction line to remove air. The suction pipe requires all joints and connections to be free from air as this is extremely important to the entire operation. Hand-operated vacuum pumps and those that are powered by engines can be used to prime a centrifugal pump. Centrifugal pumps can operate in a horizontal or vertical manner. Horizontal centrifugal pumps are usually common in most irrigation systems because they are easier to maintain and cost less than the vertical centrifugal pump.

    Deep-well Turbine Pumps

    • Deep-well turbine pumps are used in enclosed wells and on water surfaces where it is beyond the reach of centrifugal pumps. Aside from irrigation systems, turbine pumps are also used on surface water systems. Priming of the pump is not important because the turbine pump is continuously submerged in water. The efficiency of deep-well turbine pumps is greater than most centrifugal pumps. However, turbine pumps are more expensive and require more effort to repair when broken. Deep-well turbine pumps are composed of three parts--the head, pump bowl assembly and the shaft and column assembly. The head assembly is the source of discharge for the water. The shaft, column and bowl assemblies are supported by the head assembly.

    Submersible Pumps

    • A submersible pump is similar to a turbine pump, but it is attached to a submersible electric motor. The electric motor and the pump are suspended in the water. This removes the long drive shaft along with the bearing retainers needed in a deep-well turbine pump. Since the submersible pump is placed above the motor, the water goes inside the pump through the screen between the electric motor and the pump.

    Propeller Pumps

    • Another type of irrigation pump is the propeller pump. Propeller pumps are used to regulate the flow of water. Propeller pumps can provide high flow rates or low lift conditions in the irrigation system. The blades of propeller pumps should always be submerged in water to avoid causing mechanical vibrations and damage.

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